About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is the transformation of our society through the formation of Christ-centered leaders in the Catholic tradition. Emerald Heights Academy strives to develop the whole person in its students. We do this by nurturing our students’ growth in four areas of formation: academic, spiritual, character, and apostolic

Our curriculum is accelerated and designed to equip our learners with a competitive advantage academically. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, we place equal value on character development, spiritual formation and apostolic life. Through these four areas of formation, Emerald Heights Academy is able to teach, educate and form the whole person.

Our mission is reflected in our school motto, Semper Altius, which is Latin for “Always Higher.” Emerald Heights Academy encourages our students to aim high and pursue excellence in all areas of their formation – for God, for their neighbors and for themselves.

Who We Are

Founded by a group of lay Catholic business leaders and Catholic educators, Emerald Heights Academy is a private, independent school on Seattle’s Eastside offering grades PreK3 through 8th Grade. We have been committed to academic excellence in the Catholic tradition since our founding in 1993.

We utilize the method of education developed by Regnum Christi Education (RC Education) known as Integral Formation®, which aims to form the whole child – their intellect, faith, character and disposition toward service. In doing so, we set high academic standards, nurture spiritual growth, foster integrity in character and place a strong emphasis on the giving of oneself in service to others in imitation of Christ.

Nestled in the forested hills of southeast Bellevue, and less than half a mile from the I-90 interchange, our tranquil and picturesque setting is ideal for the accomplishment of the school's educational mission.

Emerald Heights Academy is approved as an educational institution by the Washington State Board of Education and is a member of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools. Under our Non Discrimination Policy, EHA admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs

How We Do It

Integral Formation®: A Formula for Success!

Emerald Heights Academy implements the Integral Formation® method of education. Used in over 150 schools around the world, including 25 within the United States, Integral Formation® is an educational model developed by Regnum Christi Education (RC Education), a nationally renowned consulting agency based in Roswell, Georgia (rceducation.org). RC Education advises Emerald Heights Academy in such areas as educational methodology, curriculum, operational procedures, teacher formation, and development.

Integral Formation® is the harmonious development of all dimensions of the human person. Through this educational method, Emerald Heights Academy focuses on the following four dimensions in order to teach, educate and form the whole person:

Intellectual Formation – Emerald Heights Academy sets high yet attainable academic expectations for its students. Students are challenged by a balanced curriculum of phonics-based reading, math, science, technology, history, religion, Spanish language, physical education, music and art. High academic standards, a rigorous and exciting curriculum, small class sizes and personal attention provide a strong foundation for the success of each student. From the beginning, students develop strong habits essential for their ongoing success in higher learning, namely, good study skills and work habits, critical thinking, perseverance and a desire to produce high quality of work. Students are taught to speak and write coherently and persuasively.

Spiritual Formation – Emerald Heights Academy aims to fulfill the mission for which each individual child was created and to develop in each child a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ so that they may come to know love and imitate Him. The religion curriculum teaches the conscious and constant pursuit of virtue and focuses on a deep understanding of the Catholic faith and the sacramental life of the Church through daily prayer, virtue campaigns, age-appropriate retreats and weekly Mass. Students gain respect for others of all faiths and learn how to be servant leaders in the communities in which they live.

Character Formation – Integral to an authentic Christian life, character formation at Emerald Heights Academy focuses on human virtues - the foundation on which the Holy Spirit forms the image of Christ in each person. Through comprehensive virtue teaching, Emerald Heights Academy mentors and encourages its students to appreciate and respect one another as guided by the charity of the gospel. We set high yet attainable standards for behavior teaching polite social graces and good manners, self-discipline, leadership skills, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and honesty - all of which help to forge a solid integrity of character that students are encouraged to model every day. These values, actions and habits can influence and shape every aspect of a student’s school and home life.

Apostolic Formation – Emerald Heights Academy challenges its students to model the Christian ideals of service by developing skills of leadership, perseverance, and empathy. Through a practical understanding of service and the desire to the well being of their local and global communities, students gain social awareness, a practical understanding of service and a genuine desire to serve the mission of the Church and society as a whole.

The End Result

By promoting in our students academic excellence, spiritual growth, apostolic service and strong character development, an Emerald Heights Academy student is…

…A young leader who possesses a rich and broad store of knowledge, exhibits critical thinking and problem solving skills, and has developed a strong set of study skills and good work habits necessary to continue higher learning.

…Christ-centered. They embrace a comprehensive knowledge of their Catholic faith, are continually maturing in a life of grace and growing in their friendship with Christ.

…someone who has the heart of an apostle and is naturally sensitive and responsive to the spiritual and physical needs of others in their family, community and around the world.

…confident, poised and articulate. They are firmly grounded in Christian virtues of honesty, integrity and self-mastery, faithful to their personal convictions and able to master their actions and choices.

The result of an Emerald Heights Academy education through Integral Formation® is a leader well-prepared to take his or her place in any sector of society.